Addis Ababa, February 15, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen today held discussion with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Turkey in Ankara on ways to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
On the occasion, Demeke appreciated the all-weather friendship of Turkey and Ethiopia and called on to expedite the growth momentum of the Ethio-Turkish cooperation and strategic partnership.
Recalling the already strong ties, in investment, education, and cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Turkey, the two Foreign Ministers underlined the need to further expand engagements in other sectors too.
The discussion between the two sides also covered the current situation between the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and other regional issues of mutual concern.
During the discussion, Demeke reiterated Ethiopia’s unwavering stance to solve the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute amicably.
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, on his part, recalled that Ethiopia is one of the investment destinations for Turkish investors in Africa, where his country’s investment stands the second largest in Ethiopia.
The Turkish foreign minister concluded his remarks reiterating his countries keen interest to further cement relationships with Ethiopia.
At the time that the two countries are commemorating the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Turkey, the two Ministers have attended a photo exhibition and jointly inaugurated the newly constructed building of the residence of the Ethiopian ambassador in Ankara and the chancery as well.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Demeke appreciated Dr. Mulatu Teshome, former President and Ambassador of Ethiopia to Turkey, and Ambassador Ayalew Gobeze , former Ambassador of Ethiopia to Turkey for exerting efforts to the construction of the building.
State Minister Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Birtukan Ayano also delivered a speech thanking the government and people of Turkey, including all responsible bodies that contributed to the successful completion of the building.
Ambassador Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Ambassador Girma Temesgen, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Turkey, and other dignitaries from both sides attended the ceremony.